By Derrick Smith

What most sports fans do not see are the hours of work and preparation that go into their team being ready to take the field. Gage Gilchrist enjoys competing alongside his teammates on the baseball field. He says that while the work can be tough at times, it is worth it when you earn that victory.

“It has taken many unseen hours of hard work and dedication for me to get where I am today,” he said. “Waking up early in the morning to work out and hit. Staying up late to also get some extra swings in as well. I would also say working hard in the classroom to prepare myself for college.”

Gilchrist is a senior at Oklahoma Christian School, where he plays two sports for the Saints. He plays first base and third base on the baseball team, while on the football field he is a left tackle. Throughout his career, Gage has had two people that have had the biggest impact on his life. He says that they have helped him become the person and the athlete that he is today.

“My grandpa has had a huge impact on my life,” he said. “He is my rock when I need someone to turn to. He is very wise and slow to anger and someone that will be honest with me when I need him to be. He has shown me how important it is to work for everything I have and that nothing will be handed to me. He is someone I can always count on to have my back no matter the situation. Most importantly, he has shown me how to love the Lord and live for him.”

“Also, my brother, Gavin,” Gilchrist continued, “is my hype man and he pushes me to be the best player and the best person I can be. He can notice when I’m in a bad mood or frustrated and he can get me in the right headspace to perform the best I can.”

Gage already has his plans set for his post-high school days. He has committed to play baseball at Murray State College.